The Spinning Cap On Your Precision Screwdriver Has A Genius Function

A quality screwdriver is a tool every DIYer needs, but these come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. Almost everyone owns a standard Phillips head screwdriver, and you've likely got a flathead lying around too. But for small, delicate jobs, such as fixing eyeglasses or repairing small electronics, one of the best miniature tools to have is a precision screwdriver. These differ from regular screwdrivers in more than just size, though.

A screwdriver has three basic parts: The handle, the shaft, and the tip, which drives in the screw. Many small precision screwdrivers also have a small rotating "cap" on the end of the handle. Holding down this swiveling cap keeps the drive tip fixed to the screw head while you twist the handle and turn the screw. This genius feature makes this tiny tool the best type of screwdriver for any DIY job involving small, hard-to-manage screws that can easily fall out and get lost. Jewelers, watchmakers, and electronics specialists commonly use precision screwdrivers, but they're also a handy addition to your home "fix it" kit.

Now that you know what the spinning cap on your precision screwdriver's handle does, you can master using it. There's more than one way to do so. First, find the grip that feels most comfortable. You can hold a precision screwdriver by pressing down on the spinning cap with a finger or the pad of your palm. You don't need to apply much pressure. Use just enough to keep the screwdriver anchored to the screw. This prevents you from having to lift the head off of the tiny screw you're trying to turn, and can also prevent you from stripping your screws.

With the screwdriver held securely, use your free fingers to grip the handle and turn the screw. The best way to hold your precision screwdriver depends on your ergonomic preferences and the project you're working on. Securing the rotating cap with your palm is arguably the easiest and most stable way to hold the screwdriver in place for most jobs. However, holding the rotating cap down with your index finger and twisting the handle with your thumb and other fingers may give you better reach for tasks that require you to reach into hard-to-reach areas, such as repairing small electronics.